Legislation and Public Policy

State Legislative Advocacy

The MNADV creates an annual legislative agenda approved by the Board of Directors with input from the Legislative Committee, domestic violence programs and service providers, allied professionals, and survivors. We provide research, collaborate with other local and statewide groups, participate in creating coalitions around specific issues, and offer information to the public through the MNADV website, Facebook page, and media contacts. During the Maryland General Assembly Session, we advocate with legislative leaders and public officials, coordinate with legislative sponsors, and provide information and written and oral testimony to legislators. Our Network also provides information to member programs and individual and organizational allies during the Session. Additionally, we monitor all bills related to domestic violence or which impact on domestic violence victims or abusers to ensure support for beneficial initiatives and opposition to detrimental ones.

Federal Legislative Advocacy

The MNADV collaborates with our national organization, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and other national organizations to advocate for federal funding for domestic violence services and federal legislation that impacts victims and abusers. Funding advocacy has focused primarily on the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).

Systems Change

The MNADV collaborates with individuals, organizations, and government agencies to create systemic changes to improve victim safety and increase abuser accountability. Our Network works with law enforcement officers, prosecutors, court and parole and probation personnel, health care providers, social services workers, the faith community, and businesses to create and enhance policies, procedures, protocols, and services that improve the response to victims and abusers, increase resources, and promote empowerment and self-sufficiency for victims/survivors and ensure that abusers are held accountable for their behavior.